European MSc Programme in Dairy Technology - LACTITECH

Why choose the LACTITECH programme?

The programme is developed in collaboration between The University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Life Sciences (LIFE), Denmark, and Wageningen University, the Netherlands - the two top ranking universities in the field of Food Science and Nutrition in Europe.
A unique focus on the European dairy industry and market with several excursions to industries and industrial organisations throughout the programme
An outstanding compulsory 2 week Summer School hosted by the Dairy industry from both countries
Scholarships and challenging internships offered by the Dairy Industry of both countries.
A Double Degree from both universities

About the programme

Structure of the programme

About the programme

LACTITECH is the first joint MSc programme within the strategic collaboration between the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen (KU-LIFE), Denmark, and Wageningen University, the Netherlands. The aim of the programme is to give you the best possible education in Dairy Technology and to give you the opportunity to handle current and future challenges in the European dairy industry. The programme is endorsed by both the Danish and Dutch Dairy Associations as well as the leading dairy industries in both countries.

LACTITECH will offer you a high quality academic education in dairy technology and processing design with the possibility to specialize within one area in which the two collaborating institutions are highly recognized. The involvement and the support from the Danish and Dutch dairy and food ingredient industry will give you an industrial relevant teaching. Additionally, guest lectures will be given by officials from the whole dairy sector and, furthermore, the mobility tracks within LACTITECH will secure that you experience different European cultures and food industries.

Structure of the programme

LACTITECH is a two-year program (120 ECTS) structured as illustrated below:

The first year consists of compulsory modules (i.e. single courses) and will supply you with profound knowledge about chemistry, physics and microbiology of dairy systems as well as the technology of dairy processes. In the modules of the first year, you will be trained to use your knowledge to analyse and solve complex problems. This will prepare you for the studies of the second year and to take leading roles in future challenges. By the end of the first study year, you will meet all the other students in the program and participate in a Joint Summer Module, where you will visit important industries and institutions of the dairy sector in Europe.

You can start your studies in Denmark or in the Netherlands. However, all students must change the university for the second year, thus spending one year at both LACTITECH universities. This will give you the opportunity to specialise into one of two areas: Dairy product technology at KU-LIFE and Dairy ingredients technology at Wageningen University.

Career opportunities

The demand for employees in this field is currently higher than the number of graduates from the traditional Dairy Science and Technology programme. The industrial context of Lactitech will be an advantage for graduates who aim at an international industrial career. Having two degrees from both the two top European universities in Dairy Science will be an added benefit for you as well.

Many recent graduates found jobs in research in the industry, at universities as PhD student or at research institutes. Graduates also work in the field of process technology at innovation centres, innovative food companies or government agencies. As graduates progress in their careers, they usually advance to the management level.

Costs

For EU students, the estimated total educational costs for the two-year programme is approximately EURO 3,000 per academic year, including costs for the Joint Summer Module.

For non-EU students, the tuition fee is approximately EUR 12,000 per academic year, including costs for the Joint Summer Module.

The programme offers funding opportunities for EU-students. For non-EU students a very limited number of scholarships are available. There is no application form for scholarships; all applicants will automatically be taken into consideration.

Admission criteria

Your enrollment is based on your academic background and you must be in the possession of: (i) an above average BSc degree in Food or Life Sciences and (ii) documented skills in written and spoken English (550 points in paper-based TOEFL, 83 in internetbased TOEFL or 6.0 IELTS-test).

The LACTITECH MSc programme leads to the following two degrees: An “MSc in Food Science and Technology” (KU-LIFE) or an “MSc in Food Technology” (Wageningen University).

How do I apply?

LACTITECH is offered to both EU and non-EU students. At KU-LIFE, the application deadlines are as follows:

Non-EU students 1 January 2010
EU students 1 June 2010

If you want the University of Copenhagen as your first year institution, please download your application form and send the filled form to the indicated address, including your enclosures.

If you wish Wageningen University to be your first year institution, please find the relevant information on their website: www.dairy.wur.nl

Claus Dam, - last update:15 December 2010